NFL Street 2: Hands-On

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How does the sequel stack up against the original powerhouse?

By Hilary Goldstein

Often times when writing about a sequel, a preview might begin like this: "Last year, EA surprised everyone with the release of NFL Street." This preview can't begin that way, because it wasn't last year that EA dazzles us as with its Street version of pro football. Nope, it was this year. That's right, NFL Street 2 is one of the rare sequels that's coming out in the same calendar year. Though this meant a truncated development time, after playing a few hours of NFL Street 2, I'm pretty impressed by the polish and added game modes. Fans of the original can get a second scoop of the NFL arcade-style in just a couple of weeks.

Arcade sports games generally have two avenues towards improvement -- new gameplay mechanics and new game modes. While NFL Street 2 is a little skimpy on enhanced gameplay (there's a double Gamebreaker and moves off walls now), I'm really starting to love the different modes available.

For those who want a similar experience to the original, there's the NFL Challenge, which is set up like the original mode. You pick your NFL team, create a player, and then compete in various skills challenges and scrimmage games. Like the first NFL Street, numero dos has you picking off members of teams you've beaten to help create the ultimate squad. There's a ton of new gear that you can outfit any player with in any of the modes, so you can really create a unique squad of NFL pros. NFL Challenge looks like it'll take about as long as the first game, which was some pretty significant play time.

If challenges aren't your deal, you can jump right into the NFL Gauntlet. Select your team (no created characters usable in this one) and proceed through a series of scrimmage games. First to 36 wins. You don't get to swipe other players and you don't get to improve the players on your own team. This is simply a matter of picking a club and trying to top the rest of the NFL. Chargers fans are in luck -- Keenan McCardell is on the Chargers' roster. Oh, and he's pretty damn good in the game too.

As if that wasn't enough, there's also a Street Challenge mode, which is reminiscent of NBA Street. You begin with just your created character and you've got to work your way into the NFL. You start off playing against scrubs -- none of whom are NFL-worthy. Completing challenges earns skill points to improve your created player and sometimes allows you to snag a player from a pick-up game for your own team. Your ultimate goal is to make your way through the different fields in the city, unlocking new areas of the city as you progress through the challenges. I really love this mode. It's drawback is that it loses all of the "NFL players in street clothes" appeal, but has that feeling of you and your buds tossing the pigskin in an abandoned parking lot. This one has a lot to it and will likely soak up the most time. A very wise and worthy addition to the franchise.

16:9 High-Res Get a peek at NFL Street 2 in widescreen with these high-res movies. We take you to three different venues and offer up some lengthy, uncut flicks. All right, huddle's over; now go long and check out these movies.

For the cherry on top, EA has added online play for Xbox and PS2, so you can take head-to-head battles into the virtual world. While I haven't had the chance to check the online out yet, EA is offering a number of game mode choices, including skills challenges, for online play. I'm looking forward to giving it a shot, once I find someone in the office courageous enough to take me on.

NFL Street 2 controls and feels much like the original, which came out oh so many months ago. It's instantly familiar, but it is nice to be able to run along walls to avoid defenders and the wall throws from the QB look pretty cool. The hectic arcade gameplay is just as fun as before -- it almost feels like I never stopped playing the original. And it's great to have new Legends (who don't suck) and a dozen new fields to explore. As an added wrinkle, EA has placed hot spots in each arena. Perform a wall move near one of these hot spots and you'll unlock players for use in some of the game modes.

If I have any real disappointment so far with NFL Street 2 it's the Gamebreaker. I never felt that the Gamebreaker in the first NFL Street was all that hot and the second tier Gamebreaker 2 doesn't come close to the sweet sensation of NBA Street Vol. 2. When you kick in a Gamebreaker 2, a snazzy cut-scene made up of art stills sets up an over-the-top play (think runningbacks leaping over QBs) and then immediately drops you back into the action with the rock in hand and a ballcarrier who's more juiced than both Giambi brothers combined. It's a bit jarring at first, but once you know to expect the sudden drop back into play, it's easy to score TDs off double gamebreakers. I just wish something more creative had been done instead.

Overall, NFL Street 2 is looking pretty solid. If you dug the first, you will like the sequel. Look for our full review of NFL Street 2 in a couple of weeks.